"Eyes to See"

By Shannon Purvis
 

I purchased new glasses recently.  I have worn glasses for reading and other close-up things for over 30 years, but now that I have "over 40 eyes," it seems I need distance glasses as well.  I was surprised in the doctor's office when he flipped through the various lenses and low and behold, that C over on the left became an E! 
I was even more surprised when I picked up my glasses at the store and looked around through the new lenses.  In fact, I was shocked.  This is what the world is supposed to look like!?!  Look at the detail!  I could even read signs without squinting - I had never been able to do that.  I got home and discovered that the TV set we have had for three years, the one my husband has so loved did, indeed, have a great picture.  Wow.  
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"Pruning the Trees"

By Rachel Klinge
 

 Every year at our house we go through the same process, pruning the fruit trees! It always amazes me how much a tree can grow in a year.   Caleb methodically cuts away dead or stray branches.  He also shortens branches in order for them to maintain or increase their fruitfulness.  So when apple season arrives, I enjoy giving away buckets, boxes, and bags of apples to everyone who stops by!
 
In John 15:1-2 Jesus says,
"I am the true Vine, and my Father is the gardener.  He cuts off every branch that doesn't produce fruit, and He prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more."
 
I've emphasized "He prunes" on purpose.  Thankfully, Jesus did not say that we are in charge of pruning each other or ourselves!  The Father, in His perfect timing, clears us of things that inhibit fruitfulness.  The Father is determined that we should grow.  That is so good!  The process has already begun, now we are to remain in Him.  He will cause us to grow, change and become what we are meant to be!
 
Jesus goes on to say,
"For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful apart from me."
 
In light of this verse, I think of an email sent to me by Lori Conroy.  She was studying Isaiah 54 and 55 from vision Sunday and had this to say: The Lord is speaking to me about  "Do not hold back lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes."  The cords must be hammered into the ground to provide more strength to hold the enlargement of the tent. This speaks of abiding in the Lord, being rooted and grounded, and returning to our first love. The hammer that pounds the stakes is the word of God implemented and lived out in our lives in both blessing and in trial. Our stakes are strengthened through the increased character that comes as a result, bringing transformation and renewing of the mind.  When we are walking in character, then we are ready to parent the baby Christians that come to live within the tent."
 
Submitting to God's pruning is the best choice we can make!  Remain in Him and He will get the job done! 

 BE A PART OF A UNIQUE GIFT TO MARIN!

 

8:00 AM - Celebration Gathering at BayMarin Church

featuring "The Marin All-Stars" Worship Band!

9:30 AM - Join with others for a morning of serving

12:30 PM- Celebrate with a BBQ at Marin Civic Center Park

 

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February 14: Gift of Love to Marin